68. Neeny Coming, Neeny Going, by Karen English

68. Neeny Coming, Neeny Going, by Karen English


 

English, K. (1996). Neeny coming, Neeny going.  BridgeWater Books. 

The narrator, Essie, lives with her grandmother on Daufuskie Island, off the coast of South Carolina, and is eagerly awaiting the arrival of cousin Neeny. The two girls had been ""like sisters"" until Neeny moved to the mainland to be with her mother. At first Essie is so excited about Neeny coming, she runs around telling everyone.  As soon as her cousin steps ashore twirling a parasol, it is obvious that the visit will be a letdown.  Essie has a whole itinerary planned and Neeny doesn’t want any part of it.  Neeny has changed. She is constantly comparing island ways with the refinements of her city home.  Essie sends home with Neeny a present…a special quilt made from memorable things from their life on the island.

This book acknowledges changes that have taken place over the years in the Sea Islands off South Carolina: the water pollution, job losses, and migration to the mainland.  The paintings in the book are colorful and a true work of art.  I found a neat activity for an art project.  It teaches students about creating pictures with large pieces of color. 

https://www.grinnell.edu/campus-life/arts-culture/museum/educational-resources/neeny-coming-neeny-going

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